History's Call to Arms for 2009

Where's George Washington when you need him? The in-the-red cuts are coming!

I rarely use my blog to rant, but today has been ONE of those days. Why is it that, whenever the sword of financial woe strikes, history is expected to bare its breast and take the first thrust? I know times are tough, but there seems to be enough money to keep the stadiums and movie theaters open. Why is it, then, that so many historic sites are being shut down or having their hours severely cut? The site I work at is one of the lucky ones, though our hours have been greatly shortened. Our doors will still be open this season. I run a Yahoo list that is aimed at historic interpreters. I know from them that others have not faired nearly so well. There are states that are contemplating cutting their entire history program. Have we learned nothing? Why is it that people cannot see how precious history is?

Remembering where we have been is what will get us where we need to go. The historic sites in all of the 50 united states are living reminders of where we came from and of what is truly important. They also serve as a check and balance against the fear and panic of such days as the ones we are living in. Have there been periods of financial hardship before? Yes. In the 1790s, the 1830s, and on and on until the great depression. We can learn from those who tell our past just how to survive our future. For all of the children out there, the past is a precious present that cannot be tossed away. Without it, they will have little foundation for tomorrow.

Please, any of you who read this blog, take a moment and send a donation to a local historic site. I don't care if it is $5. If everyone in a city would do that, none of these unique representatives of our past would have to worry or wonder about where their next dollar is coming from; they would have all the money they need. THINK about it. The town I live in - and its a small one -has nearly 25,000 inhabitants. At $5 each, that would give our historical sites and societies $125,000 to spend. I'm sure all of us pick up a pack of cigarettes or drink a mocha at least once a week. Skip it for once and save all of the wonderful people who tell history's tales .

Marla (on the soapbox)